Tree Cruising

A superb experience to get you ZONED!

Playing throw and catch around, under and over obstacles is one of the best ways to practice curves and air-bouncers. Look for ‘passing lanes’ along woodland paths. One of the best types of tree to ‘cruise’ among is the Scotch Pine. Their great height and lack of branches below 10m are ideal, plus the ground tends to be firm and free from too much vegetation.

If a suitable woodland location is not available, buildings, lamp posts, goal posts and any other large structure in the landscape can be used to curve around. Failing that, imaginary obstacles can be used!

Tree cruising forces curved flights to the left or right, and air bouncers under branches and through gaps in the trees… A misguided throw in this environment is likely to hit a tree with a thud - which is good clear feedback of an error! On the other hand, it’s very satisfying when a disc glides sweetly past the trees to be caught with ease by the intended receiver.  

It can be played with one disc between 2 or 3 people or with more discs in larger groups.  It’s good to keep moving around so that players must continually pick new lines through the trees.

Tree Cruising serves as good practice for Ultimate too, with the trees being like defenders to navigate around. After experiencing being ‘in the zone’ while tree cruising, throwing with greater accuracy and imagination in other contexts, such as Ultimate, will follow naturally.  

 

Several people can join in to make a network of passing lanes through woodland trees... it's pure heaven with a disc!